Light, life & curious connection
What does a portrait of a farmer in a Punjabi mustard field have in common with an image of synchronous fireflies in Tennessee? At first glance, perhaps nothing — but Chromatica's selection of photographs by Wichita-based artists Austin Mann and Esther Havens Mann invites us to stay and look more deeply.
Spanning two decades of work across seven continents, Chromatica features landscapes and portraits that showcase vibrant hues throughout the visible spectrum. Linked by a common chroma, or color, the exhibition's photographic pairings invite close examination. These unexpected combinations encourage the contemplation of light itself.
Astronomical phenomena, dramatic topographies, and intimate wildlife encounters reflect Austin's commitment to illuminating the beauty of Creation. Whether planning for years for the perfect alignment of celestial objects or lugging a medium-format camera into a polar blizzard, his experimental process pushes imaging technology to its limits.
Esther's photographs revel in the tenacity of the human spirit and nature's abounding variety. Her work balances artistic vision with a deep respect for dignity, capturing a colorful gathering of young Zapotec girls or a refractive topaz ice fragment in Iceland with equal sensitivity and boldness.
The posture of a traveling photographer is one of thoughtful observation — of searching for and considering the light around us. Austin and Esther invite viewers into that same attentive stance. What unexpected connections emerge? Can we find similar connective threads and unifying patterns in our own lives?
